GCERF Warns of Rising Terrorism Risks in Central Asia

The risk of terrorist radicalisation has significantly increased in Central Asia, according to Khalid Koser, head of the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF), in an interview with RIA Novosti.

Khalid Koser highlighted widespread poverty among young people as a key factor behind the growing threat. Many young individuals struggle to find decent jobs and feel powerless, making them easy targets for recruitment by terrorist organisations.

Terrorists exploit the region’s political and socio-economic challenges to fuel radical sentiments. Additionally, illegal migration from Afghanistan poses serious risks.

GCERF prioritises preventing extremist violence and combating radicalisation by fostering partnerships between communities, authorities, and the private sector.

The organisation recently expanded its operations to Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan.